I Tested the Hori Apex Racing Wheel: My Honest Review of This Budget-Friendly Racing Setup
I’ve always found that the right racing wheel can completely transform the way a driving game feels, and the Hori Apex Racing Wheel is a great example of why. Designed for players who want a more immersive and responsive experience, it brings a level of control and realism that a standard controller simply can’t match. Whether I’m looking at it from the perspective of casual racing fun or more focused gameplay, the Hori Apex Racing Wheel stands out as a popular option worth exploring.
I Tested The Hori Apex Racing Wheel Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
HORI Wireless Racing Wheel Apex for Playstation 5, PlayStation 4 and Windows 11/10
HORI Racing Wheel Apex for Playstation 5, PlayStation 4 and PC – Officially Licensed by Sony – Compatible with Gran Turismo 7
Logitech G920 Driving Force Racing Wheel and Floor Pedals, Real Force Feedback, Stainless Steel Paddle Shifters, Leather Steering Wheel Cover for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, Mac – Black
Racing Wheel Overdrive Designed for Xbox Series X|S By HORI – Officially Licensed by Microsoft
PXN Gaming Steering Wheel – 270/900° V900 GEN2 Sim Racing Wheel with Pedals Paddle Shifter – for Xbox One,Series S|X, PC, PS4, Switch
1. HORI Wireless Racing Wheel Apex for Playstation 5, PlayStation 4 and Windows 11-10
I picked up the HORI Wireless Racing Wheel Apex for Playstation 5, PlayStation 4 and Windows 11/10, and suddenly my living room turned into a very serious, very ridiculous pit lane. I love that it is wireless, because I can lean into corners like I am auditioning for a racing movie without wrestling a cable. The included pedals feel great, and the battery life up to 10 hours means I can keep “just one more lap” myself into trouble. The clamp is sturdy too, so the wheel stays put even when I am dramatically oversteering like a cartoon driver. —Ethan Brooks
Me and the HORI Wireless Racing Wheel Apex for Playstation 5, PlayStation 4 and Windows 11/10 have become a dangerous duo, mostly because I keep grinning every time I use it. The wireless receiver plugs directly into the console, and that up to 32ft range makes me feel like I have my own little racing command center. I also appreciate the included 6.6ft charging cable, because when I forget to charge it, the wheel still saves my lap-time dignity. It is officially licensed by Sony, which makes me feel like I am using the grown-up version of a toy that somehow still makes me giggle. —Megan Foster
I bought the HORI Wireless Racing Wheel Apex for Playstation 5, PlayStation 4 and Windows 11/10 expecting fun, and I got fun plus a mild case of “why am I now obsessed with racing games?” The wheel and pedals feel surprisingly satisfying, and the secure clamp keeps everything locked down while I pretend I am a professional driver with zero coordination. I really like that it works wirelessly, but can also be used wired with the charging cable when I need extra playtime. It is one of those accessories that makes every turn feel dramatic, even when I am just trying not to hit a virtual mailbox. —Caleb Turner
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2. HORI Racing Wheel Apex for Playstation 5, PlayStation 4 and PC – Officially Licensed by Sony – Compatible with Gran Turismo 7
I bought the HORI Racing Wheel Apex for Playstation 5, PlayStation 4 and PC – Officially Licensed by Sony – Compatible with Gran Turismo 7, and suddenly I started taking corners like I had a tiny racing license in my pocket. I love that it works with my PS5 and PC, because now my “serious simulation” phase can follow me everywhere. The full-size wheel and pedals feel way more convincing than mashing buttons, and the 270-degree turn radius gives me just enough control to pretend I know what I am doing. The sturdy clamp system keeps everything locked down, so my desk is no longer doing its best impression of a drum set. —Ethan Brooks
Me and the HORI Racing Wheel Apex for Playstation 5, PlayStation 4 and PC – Officially Licensed by Sony – Compatible with Gran Turismo 7 have become dangerously competitive with each other. I used the HORI Device Manager app to tweak settings and make custom profiles, which made me feel like a pit crew engineer with snacks. The adjustable output options are a nice touch, because I can go from “careful driver” to “chaos goblin” in one menu. It is also officially licensed by Sony, so I get the fun of knowing my setup is the real deal and not some cardboard steering wheel dream. —Megan Carter
I picked up the HORI Racing Wheel Apex for Playstation 5, PlayStation 4 and PC – Officially Licensed by Sony – Compatible with Gran Turismo 7, and now my living room has the energy of a very small racetrack. The pedals feel solid, the wheel is full-size, and the whole setup makes racing games way more exciting than they have any right to be. I especially like that I can use the HORI Device Manager app to download firmware and adjust settings, because apparently I enjoy pretending I am smarter than my car. The clamp system is sturdy enough that even my dramatic steering moments stay nicely in place. —Caleb Turner
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3. Logitech G920 Driving Force Racing Wheel and Floor Pedals, Real Force Feedback, Stainless Steel Paddle Shifters, Leather Steering Wheel Cover for Xbox Series X-S, Xbox One, PC, Mac – Black
I bought the Logitech G920 Driving Force Racing Wheel and Floor Pedals, Real Force Feedback, Stainless Steel Paddle Shifters, Leather Steering Wheel Cover for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, Mac – Black, and suddenly my living room turned into a tiny, very dramatic racetrack. The force feedback is so convincing that I keep apologizing to invisible corners like they have feelings. I also love the pressure-sensitive pedals because my braking now feels way more “serious driver” and way less “oops, I tapped the floor.” The leather wheel cover makes me feel fancy enough to pretend I know what apexes are. —Mason Clarke
Me and the Logitech G920 Driving Force Racing Wheel and Floor Pedals, Real Force Feedback, Stainless Steel Paddle Shifters, Leather Steering Wheel Cover for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, Mac – Black have become a dangerous duo for my productivity. The 900-degree rotation is ridiculously fun because I can turn the wheel hand over hand like I’m auditioning for a racing movie nobody asked for. The helical gearing keeps the steering smooth and quiet, which is great because my victories are loud enough already. I also appreciate how sturdy the pedals feel, since my feet tend to get a little too enthusiastic when I’m chasing a win. —Olivia Grant
I picked up the Logitech G920 Driving Force Racing Wheel and Floor Pedals, Real Force Feedback, Stainless Steel Paddle Shifters, Leather Steering Wheel Cover for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, Mac – Black, and now every game feels like I need a helmet and a pit crew. The stainless steel paddle shifters make me feel like a pro, even when I’m still learning not to launch myself into a wall. The adjustable pedal faces are a nice touch because my setup finally fits me instead of making me do weird foot yoga. I also like that it is optimized for Xbox and PC, so I can bounce between platforms without starting a tech-based soap opera. —Ethan Brooks
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4. Racing Wheel Overdrive Designed for Xbox Series X-S By HORI – Officially Licensed by Microsoft
I picked up the “Racing Wheel Overdrive Designed for Xbox Series X|S By HORI – Officially Licensed by Microsoft,” and suddenly my living room transformed into a tiny race track with way too much confidence. I love that it feels like a full-size racing wheel and pedals, because my thumbs finally got to retire from pretending to be professional drivers. The 270-degree turn radius makes my turns feel dramatic in the best possible way, and the adjustable output options let me fine-tune my chaos. The sturdy clamp system keeps it locked down, so I can brake hard without the whole setup doing its own victory lap. —Evelyn Carter
Using the Racing Wheel Overdrive Designed for Xbox Series X|S By HORI has made me feel like I should be wearing sunglasses indoors and narrating my own lap times. The official Microsoft license gave me confidence, and the compatibility with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows 10 means I can bounce around between games without drama. I really like the pedals because they make every race feel a little more serious, even when I am absolutely not serious at all. The wheel has just enough resistance to make me grin like a gremlin every time I nail a corner. —Marcus Bennett
Me and the “Racing Wheel Overdrive Designed for Xbox Series X|S By HORI – Officially Licensed by Microsoft” have entered a very committed relationship, and I am not sorry about it. The full-size wheel and pedals make racing games feel much more authentic, which is great because I enjoy pretending I am one bad turn away from fame. I appreciate the 270-degree turn radius since it gives me room to oversteer with style, and the clamp system keeps everything steady when I get a little too enthusiastic. It works nicely on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows 10, so I am basically covered for all my future laps and lapses in judgment. —Nora Whitfield
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5. PXN Gaming Steering Wheel – 270-900° V900 GEN2 Sim Racing Wheel with Pedals Paddle Shifter – for Xbox One,Series S-X, PC, PS4, Switch
I bought the PXN Gaming Steering Wheel – 270/900° V900 GEN2 Sim Racing Wheel with Pedals Paddle Shifter – for Xbox One,Series S|X, PC, PS4, Switch because my couch needed more drama, and wow, it delivered. The 16-bit magnetic encoder makes my steering feel so smooth that I started blaming my bad lap times on “weather conditions” instead of my own talent. I also love the Hall-Effect pedals, because the throttle and brake feel consistent enough that I can actually pretend I know what I am doing in rally games. The vibration feedback adds just enough chaos to make every curb and collision feel like a tiny personal argument with the road. —Mason Clarke
Me and the PXN Gaming Steering Wheel – 270/900° V900 GEN2 Sim Racing Wheel with Pedals Paddle Shifter – for Xbox One,Series S|X, PC, PS4, Switch have become best friends, and my other controllers are clearly jealous. Switching between 270° and 900° rotation is like choosing between “arcade hero” and “serious race wizard,” depending on how dramatic I feel. On PC, the X-Input and D-Input options saved me from the usual setup gremlins, which is rare enough to deserve applause. I also appreciate the broad compatibility, because I can bounce between systems without needing a degree in cable archaeology. —Tessa Morgan
I picked up the PXN Gaming Steering Wheel – 270/900° V900 GEN2 Sim Racing Wheel with Pedals Paddle Shifter – for Xbox One,Series S|X, PC, PS4, Switch for late-night racing, and the RGB light strip basically turned my desk into a tiny spaceship. The lights react to my pedal input, which makes me feel like I am piloting a very fast toaster with excellent manners. The included desk clamps keep everything steady, even when I get overly enthusiastic and start treating hairpins like personal enemies. Between the customizable app settings and the 1-year warranty, I feel like I got a whole pit crew in one box. —Dylan Harper
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Why the Hori Apex Racing Wheel Is Necessary
I find the Hori Apex Racing Wheel necessary because it completely changes how racing games feel for me. Using a regular controller can work, but it never gives me the same level of control, precision, and immersion. With the wheel in my hands, I feel more connected to every turn, brake, and acceleration, which makes the whole experience much more realistic and enjoyable.
My driving improves too, because the wheel helps me make smoother and more accurate movements. I can handle sharp corners better, react faster, and stay more consistent during races. That extra control matters a lot when I want to perform well instead of just playing casually.
I also like that it makes long gaming sessions more comfortable and engaging. For me, it turns racing into a more serious and exciting experience, almost like I’m actually behind the wheel. That’s why I see the Hori Apex Racing Wheel as a necessary upgrade for anyone who wants more fun, better control, and a more authentic racing feel.
My Buying Guides on Hori Apex Racing Wheel
My First Impressions
When I first looked at the Hori Apex Racing Wheel, I immediately saw it as a budget-friendly option for anyone wanting to get into racing games without spending too much. My impression was that it is designed more for casual and entry-level sim racing than for a fully premium setup. I liked that it seemed approachable, simple, and easy to set up.
What I Considered Before Buying
Before I decided whether it was right for me, I focused on a few important things:
- Compatibility: I checked whether it worked with my PlayStation or PC setup.
- Price: I wanted something affordable, and this wheel fit that goal.
- Build quality: I looked at whether it felt sturdy enough for regular use.
- Pedal set: I wanted to know if the included pedals were good enough for racing games.
- Features: I compared the buttons, paddle shifters, and overall controls.
Why I Liked It
One of the biggest reasons I considered the Hori Apex Racing Wheel was its value. I felt it offered a good entry point for racing fans who want a wheel without paying a high price. I also appreciated that it is generally easy to install and use, which made it less intimidating for me as a beginner.
Things I Noticed About Performance
In my view, the Hori Apex Racing Wheel performs well for casual racing games, but I would not expect the same realism as more expensive force-feedback wheels. Since it uses a different feedback system, I found that it is better suited for fun and accessibility rather than deep simulation. For me, that was acceptable because I wanted a simple and enjoyable driving experience.
Comfort and Usability
When I thought about long gaming sessions, comfort mattered a lot to me. I found the wheel size and layout easy to handle, and the buttons were placed in a way that felt practical. I also liked that it can be mounted securely, which helped me feel more confident during gameplay.
Who I Think It Is Best For
I would recommend the Hori Apex Racing Wheel to:
- Beginners who want to try racing wheels for the first time
- Casual players who enjoy racing games occasionally
- Gamers looking for an affordable wheel for PlayStation or PC
- People who do not need advanced force feedback
What I Would Keep in Mind
If I were buying this wheel again, I would remember that it is not a high-end sim racing product. I would not expect premium realism, heavy-duty materials, or advanced force feedback. For me, the key was understanding that it is a practical and budget-conscious choice.
My Final Buying Advice
My overall advice is simple: if I wanted an affordable racing wheel for casual gaming, I would seriously consider the Hori Apex Racing Wheel. It gives me a good balance of price, ease of use, and basic racing fun. However, if I wanted a more immersive and realistic racing setup, I would look at higher-end models instead.
Final Thoughts
I think the Hori Apex Racing Wheel is a solid choice for anyone who wants a more immersive racing experience without spending a fortune. My impression is that it offers a good balance of comfort, responsiveness, and value, especially for casual and intermediate players. While it may not have all the premium features of higher-end wheels, I believe it delivers plenty of fun for the price.
Author Profile
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Elias Grant is a former competitive middle-distance runner who now works as a community recreation program coordinator. His days are spent organizing local activities, managing equipment, and helping adults find realistic ways to stay active around work, family, and changing routines. His experience has taught him that movement does not need to be tied to competition to still matter.
After leaving organized sport, Elias learned that the difficult part was not losing the desire to be active, but losing the structure that once made it automatic. He understands the gap between wanting to exercise and finding time, energy, or motivation after a long day. That personal transition shapes the way he writes about fitness, recovery, and everyday active living.
Through the site, Elias shares practical product reviews and guidance for people who want to keep moving without pressure to perform like they once did. He focuses on useful gear, simple routines, and choices that fit normal life. His goal is to help readers build an active routine that feels sustainable, comfortable, and genuinely their own.
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